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| Bishop Makysm Ryabukha says Pope’s words matters to Ukrainians |
In the midst of Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russia's full-scale invasion, there shines a beacon of hope and resilience in the form of Auxiliary Bishop Maksym Ryabukha of Donetsk. Appointed to this post in December 2022, almost ten months into the conflict, Bishop Ryabukha's unwavering commitment to his spiritual duties has taken him on a journey of over 30,000 miles, traversing the war-torn landscapes of Eastern Ukraine to tend to his flock. As he tirelessly serves his people, his dedication remains unshaken.
Bishop Ryabukha's ministry extends beyond the boundaries of physical presence. Despite the challenges posed by inaccessible regions under occupation, he has found innovative ways to connect with his congregation. Through streamed liturgies and messages conveyed by local priests and parish group chats, he manages to create a spiritual connection that transcends distance. One Catholic living in an occupied zone expressed their gratitude, stating, "We don't know our auxiliary bishop, but just the fact that he always remembers us and says hello to us makes us hold him in high regard already."
The Exarchate of Donetsk, where Bishop Ryabukha serves, faces a harrowing situation. Catholic priests have been expelled, and two have been imprisoned since November 2022 in the Russian-occupied territories. However, within Ukrainian-held territory, they persevere, celebrating liturgies outdoors and in military barracks, often accompanied by the unsettling sound of bombs falling nearby. In these moments of shared faith, soldiers and civilians, Christians and nonbelievers alike, find solace and spiritual strength amidst the horrors of war.
In the midst of this turmoil, Bishop Ryabukha has experienced what he describes as "little miracles" during his wartime ministry. He recounts instances where intense bombings would cease just before a liturgy or where the water and wine used for consecration would remain liquid during a celebration held in subfreezing temperatures within a tent. These moments serve as a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity.
Recently, Bishop Ryabukha was among 45 bishops who traveled to Rome for the Ukrainian church's annual synod and a meeting with Pope Francis and other Vatican officials. During this gathering, Pope Francis assured them of his unwavering support for Ukraine. However, the pope's previous comments praising the cultural heritage of the Russian Empire had sparked controversy.
In Eastern Ukraine, where people's esteem for the pope is delicate, sensitivity levels are at their peak due to the ongoing conflict. Each word spoken by Pope Francis holds great weight in these trying times. While the pope clarified that he was praising Russia's cultural legacy and not its imperial ambitions, the sentiments in the region remained mixed. Nevertheless, Pope Francis left no room for doubt when he emphatically declared, "I am with the Ukrainian people."
To underscore his commitment, Pope Francis presented the bishops with copies of the 226 statements he made mentioning Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Bishop Ryabukha emphasized that they felt the pope's awareness of Ukraine's plight and his affection for its people. However, he acknowledged that ordinary people, caught in the midst of daily struggles for survival, may not have the luxury of contemplating the nuances of international diplomacy.
In addition to meeting with Pope Francis, the bishops engaged with several prominent figures in the Vatican, including Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Kurt Koch, Claudio Gugerotti, and Archbishop Matteo Zuppi. These meetings aimed to explore the possibility of organizing a concerted international Catholic effort to aid Ukrainians affected by the conflict. Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic archdiocese in Philadelphia expressed the need for coordination and assistance to heal the spiritual, psychological, and physical wounds of those still in Ukraine or seeking asylum abroad.
In a world torn by conflict, Bishop Ryabukha's unwavering commitment and the support of Pope Francis provide a glimmer of hope for Ukraine. As the country faces immense challenges, these acts of faith and solidarity shine brightly, guiding a resilient people through their darkest hours.
